Two men have been arrested after two real estate agents were reportedly assaulted and robbed during a home showing on Roosevelt Avenue in Lehigh Acres. Investigators say the agents were confronted over a disputed retainer fee. Authorities are still seeking four other people allegedly involved in the incident.
Key takeaways
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the case involves allegations of assault and theft during a meeting with a prospective client. The investigation remains open, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
- The agents reportedly met Jonathan Hernandez at the home after he paid a retainer fee.
- Hernandez and Daniel Sam Garay were arrested; four other people are being sought.
- The agents reported that watches, bracelets and wallets were taken.
What investigators say happened
According to the sheriff’s office report, Hernandez and Garay accused the Miami-based realtors of fraud and demanded nearly $12,000 in retainer fees back. One agent told authorities that Garay had a gun. The report also says Hernandez used a Taser on one of the agents, shocking him three times in the neck.
Three women and another man were also allegedly at the home and are accused of taking the agents’ luxury watches, bracelets and wallets. The source report did not identify those four people.
Arrests and ongoing search
Hernandez was arrested several days after the reported incident, and Garay later turned himself in, according to the report. Both men were being held at the Lee County Jail while awaiting hearings. The sheriff’s office continued searching for the four other people allegedly connected to the incident.
A nearby landscaping worker, Jorge Gutierrez, said he saw sheriff’s deputies arrive with weapons drawn while his crew was working at a neighboring property. He also recalled overhearing a woman on the phone warn someone that authorities were looking for them and tell them not to come home.
Safety concerns for real estate agents
Local realtor Connor Malt said the arrests underscore risks agents may face when meeting prospective clients. He described the work as unpredictable, since agents may not know who they will meet in person. The case has drawn attention to the safety concerns involved in showing homes, while the investigation continues.
- Arrests made after Florida realtors reportedly assaulted, robbed, Gulf Coast News and Weather.